City of Horses

Frances Moloney’s second children’s novel, following on the success of The Mystery of the Missing Mum, captures the zeitgeist of the cost-of-living crisis and the difficulties that come with being forced to adapt to sudden change. 13-year-old Misty struggles with pride and embarrassment when she has to relocate from her comfortable home to a scruffy housing estate on the outskirts of her city.

Resentful at first, Misty resolves to lie to her best friends Ruby and Jasmine about her situation disguising the fact that she has to commute to school. Meanwhile her dad is experiencing loss, frustration and low self-esteem while trying to help her adjust. As Misty processes her inner conflicts she makes a discovery that gives her a new purpose.

City of Horses is inspired by Moloney’s childhood experiences at a Pony Centre in London, the BBC documentary City of Horses set in Swansea, the O’Devaney Gardens Irish property scandal, Bergin’s Saoirse, which chronicles Dublin’s travelling community, and her love of Patricia Leach’s Jinny at Finmory series.

Moloney creates an empathetic and immersive urban equestrian world populated by believable and relatable characters. Issues of class, political machinations, the indomitable nature of community spirit and the importance of social activism are also addressed. Weaker plot points involve a burgeoning romance which is a little forced. The book will appeal to teens who like friendship drama and realistic novels where characters are resourceful and determined to make a difference.